Artist in Residence
Current Artist in Residence
Ian Marr is an artist from the
Ian established strong community links during his first residency in 2005 and in consultation with community groups created two public artworks, the Ekushe Academy Mother Language memorial in
He also gave
Ian travels widely and has recently returned from a residency in
At Thirning Villa he will be conducting workshops in:
- stone lettercutting for 15 years old upwards
- painting on stone and on timber panels (portraits and animal paintings) for children
- poetry for stone inscription
Everyone from the Inner West and in particular Ashfield residents are invited to come and try these interesting, ancient art forms.
There will be classes and workshops for young people over the summer holidays, and weekend workshops throughout the residency period.
While he is at Thirning Villa he will keep an 'open studio' for the Ashfield community, usually Friday afternoons from 2 pm to 5 pm - visitors are most welcome at other times but need to phone 9798 7959 to check that Ian is available.
Please contact Anthia on 9716 1866 or anthiah@ashfield.nsw.gov.au for more information or to arrange for classes, groups or individuals to work with Ian until mid January.
What is the Artist in Residence Program?
The Ashfield Council Artist in Residence Program is an unique initiative where Ashfield Council hosts a practising artist for a residency at the historic Thirning Villa in Pratten Park. Ashfield provides a rich environment for the artist to develop meaningful cultural exhange. During the residency, which is usually a minimum of three months, the artist assists Ashfield residents to express their aspirations through the arts. A range of opportunities for community involvement are offered and may include workshops or classes, open studio, artist talks at the Villa, in schools and nursing homes, as well as demonstrations and performances. Each program is developed in consultation with the artist and so will differ with each residency.
Often the artist will hold an exhibition at the conclusion of the residency.
The Artist in Residence program commenced in December 2003 when Bourke artist, poet, musician, story teller, Andrew Hull and his family came to stay at Thirning Villa for three months. During this time, Andrew ran workshops for children, attended adult workshops to further his own art practice and generally immersed himself in the cultural experience of living in Ashfield. He is one of many artists who have come from far and wide to take up this wonderful opportunity.
Each year, Australian rural and regional artists are invited to investigate their practice in Ashfield. In 2007 the program was extended to international artists. This progression highlights the value of such an opportunity where an artist can practice their artistic discipline away from their usual environment. The residency suits artists who practice in disciplines including visual and performing arts, writers, musicians, craft and design and film.
With the assistance of an advisory group made up of local residents who are practising artists or have an interest in the arts, Ashfield Council appoints artists on a regular basis to work with the community to further the artistic strengths in the Inner West.
General Information (951.00 KB)
Selected artists for 2010
Ian Burns - February to June 2010
Ian is a visual artist from New York, USA who specialises in film/video and multimedia art practice. During his stay in Ashfield Ian proposes to hold 'Creative Skills Development Workshops' in producing interactive sculptures in the field of physical computing. Local residents will learn the basics of microprocessor programming techniques and how to apply these to in new media artworks.
Jack Randell - July to September 2010
Jack hails from Guerie near Dubbo and will provide a program of 'The Business of Art' whilst in residence. He is also interested in the installation of a public mural in the Ashfield municipality. During his stay, Ian will faciltiate the production and installation of his multi-media works for an exhibition at Carriage Works in late 2010.
Luiz Carlos de Farias Franca (Baba) - Late September 2010 to March 2011
What an exciting program this Brazilian artist is offering when he arrives in late 2010. Baba plans to run painting and clay workshops for adults and children. He will also create a community dance and music show called 'Kangaroo Bumba'. Let's hope that this production will be ready for the Carnival of Cultures.
Go to Current Artist in Residence
Visit this page to find out about the current artist at Thirning Villa and the workshop program.
Past participants
The following artists have participated in the Ashfield Council Artist in Residence program.
- Cher Breeze
- Sarah-Jane Cook
- Yenny Huber
- Ken Hutchinson
- Eric Broome
- Karen Kerkhoven
- Veronica Calarco
- Melissa Hunt
- Gillian Hand
- Deborah Redwood
- Johannes Klabbers
- Stephen Gill
- Andrew Hull
- Bryony Anderson
- Adrian Symes
- Steven Holland
- Ian Marr
Please contact Ashfield Council for more information about the Artist in Residence program.